by the bucketload
Meaning: In large quantities.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The fans sent letters by the bucketload.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: As much as buckets can carry. The informal phrase is common from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- Italian: perdere il filo — literally: to lose the thread
- French: À tire-larigot — literally: At pull-the-larigot
More idioms — Daily Life
- trouble in paradise — Problems in a relationship or situation that seemed perfect.
- no ifs, ands, or buts — Without any excuses or exceptions.
- fall on hard times — To become poor or suffer misfortune.
- a nasty piece of work — An unpleasant, cruel or dishonest person.
- good riddance — Said when one is glad to be rid of someone or something.
- go through the wringer — To go through a very hard experience.
More English idioms
- strong as an ox — Very strong.
- holy cow! — An exclamation of surprise.
- go off on a tangent — To wander away from the subject being discussed.
- strike out — To fail completely, especially in an attempt to attract someone.
- clear as day — Completely obvious.
- nothing doing — Refusal; there is no chance of that happening.
From our proverbs
- He is wise enough that can keep himself warm in winter. — Self-sufficiency and practical preparation matter more than theoretical knowledge or gran…
- You may be a wise man though you cannot make a watch. — Expertise in one domain doesn't diminish wisdom; mastery of mechanics isn't prerequisite…
- He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun. — Those with fragile vulnerabilities should avoid situations that expose or exploit their w…